Humiliation

Humiliation. Now there is a word, a condition, a place we will do most anything to stay away from. However, it is most fitting that President Abraham Lincoln, in his powerful government proclamation of April 30, 1863, called the nation to "a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer." Steeped in the dead center of the Civil War, we were a nation, much like today, suffering great humiliation and division.

Better to fall on the rock, than have the rock fall up us. Better, as President Lincoln proclaimed to our nation, to "recognize the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God" and "own our dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess our sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow" than to continue in this place where "we have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us" and "in the deceitfulness of our hearts...we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!" Better to humble ourselves, than suffer any more humiliation!

Abraham Lincoln got it right and changed the course of our history by recognizing Almighty God who has the power to do so.

Building the Wall

The often used verse in Ezekiel, "And I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it..." (Ez 22:30) typically brings focus on the phrase "stand in the gap." However, a friend pointed out the other day the first thing that must happen is to: "build up the wall." As it concerns prayer, this involves identifying, establishing and coordinating prayer leaders who take responsibility for an area...core prayer teams...houses of prayer...positioned and dedicated to then stand in the gap. The focus might be government, a city, the border, or any issue, people, or land area God assigns. In any case, the first step is to look for breaches in the wall and see who God is raising up to build up that place in the wall. A wall isn't a wall if it is independent stones, but only a wall if the living stones have been interlocked together.

Do you know what area God is assigning to you?
Is God assigning you a place on the wall in your area?
Is He asking you to connect with others on the same wall?

Retreat

Retreat... an interesting word for time spent away. (Yes, I have been on a blogging hiatus for several months.) Militarily the term "retreat" is generally the opposite of advance. We can easily call to mind all the movies where the cry of panic is sounded resulting in the desperate flight of soldiers before an advancing army. Some may survive to fight another day. However, when the term is used for a "spiritual retreat" in can mean a time of great advance. A time to evaluate. A time for vision. A time for strategy. A time of renewed conviction and resolution. Yes, it is often important to retreat in order to advance!

Voice of Authority

There is a drought in the desert land of Arizona hearing God's voice of authority in our government. We hear many competing human voices, but no clarion call. The political landscape is as scattered and confused as ever. The issues are dividing us. The players seem to be simply vying for position and rank. There is a serious void at the front lines of the battle. Where is the standard-bearer? Where is the spokesman of clear wisdom, truth, righteousness and justice that resonates with us as a people, whom the government is supposed to serve? Do not be discouraged. Do not give up. In the distance I hear a voice arising, for I know the promises of God when we pray...

"And the Lord will cause His voice of authority to be heard" - Isaiah 30:30.

It's All God's

I find it sometimes painfully almost funny when I hear those that proclaim that God should be taken out of the government. When we live a life with the Bible as the highest standard of truth, in which God so clearly speaks with authority, it sounds rather childish when we see men exalt themselves. God was there at Genesis when He first delegated governmental authority to man (Genesis 1:27-28). Yet, even in His delegation, 2 Chronicles 20:6 reminds us... "O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?" Yes, as Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it." It's all God's.

Wisdom of Solomon

Many expressions of speech we use originated in the Bible. One such expression, "the wisdom of Solomon," is needed more now than perhaps ever in history. King Solomon was not born with supernatural wisdom, but as is revealed in 1 Kings 3:12, God gave it to him as an answer to King Solomon's humble prayer when he was first made king. The passage also defines what is meant by true wisdom. Solomon prayed, "so give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). "And it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said to him, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have you asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days."" Among many things stated in this amazing exchange, God defines the 'wisdom of Solomon' "to discern between good and evil - discernment to understand justice!" This is what our government and governing officials need!

With this understanding we can now enthusiastically join in repeating the very first phrase of the very first prayer ever recorded at the beginning of the first day of the Arizona Constitutional Convention on Monday morning October 10, 1910 by the Chaplain Seaborn Crutchfield: "As King Solomon prayed for guidance to wisely rule a great people, so we ask Thee to direct us..." The condition of our current affairs in our state and nation require nothing less today.

Bless and Curse Not

It is so easy to be critical. Yet, even when we consider our government, the Bible is very clear, including: "Seek the welfare of the city (state, nation) where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7). An article by Asher Intrater was just written from Israel in which he emphasizes the point that we are to pray FOR our government and nation, not against. He then gives some excellent prayer points. Yes, even if you believe that our nation is a source of persecution, Romans 12:14 says, "bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not."

Prayer Mountain

Micah 4:1-2 says that "it will come about in the last days that the mountain of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains... that He may teach us about His ways and that we may walk in His paths..." and Isaiah 56:7 says that "even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer... for My house will be called a house of prayer..." Mountains speak of authority in the Bible. The chief of the mountains is the place of the highest government in the land. The thing we often think of as weak - prayer - Micah says will be established in the place of highest authority. It is a place where we hear God speak; where we connect with His word, His law, and His promises.

Party Platforms

In the political process platforms are established that provide strong guidelines for candidates in their respective parties. You can feel the pressure typically placed upon the candidates to conform to these platforms, sometimes against their own conscience. In these cases, some bow to the pressure to conform and others are able to withstand and weather the ensuing storm of contention against them. On the other hand, the platforms are multifaceted so that seldom do candidates conform to the party platform on every point. Click on this link, Wallbuilders, to review a Voter's Guide and other information on our presidential candidates and the Democratic and Republican platform positions. The Voter's Guide focuses on questions surrounding traditional marriage, the homosexual agenda, gun rights, limited taxes, and the Iraq War.

Cleaning House

Sometimes you just have to clean house. I have literally been doing that. It is one reason, along with focusing on family, I haven't posted in nearly a month. With the Christmas and New Year's holiday enjoyment complete, I have finally dug in to restore order to my office... piled up stuff everywhere. Now, at least, I have divided a few big piles into several smaller piles with similar things in them. I'm improving my filing and throwing away the non-essentials. At first it was daunting. But as my Dad frequently said, "How do you eat an elephant? -- One bite at a time." It is part of settling in to the battle of a critical Presidential Election year in which intense prayer and political engagement is required. Some of my desk top is now coming into view! I'm beginning to breathe better already. We're all going to need a lot of oxygen this year. It is also time (as it always is!) to ask the Lord to clean house in us. Then we can really breathe better.

Night and Day

We can talk about the "difference of night and day" or we can talk about the sustained continuity of night and day. In the Bible God's word speaks several times of praying night and day. Recent prayer movements have gained more and more momentum in Arizona for just such a thing. There is a vision in process to see 24/7 prayer continue for a week at a time at one location, then pass the torch to the next place, and so on throughout Arizona for the entire 2008 year! More on this in the coming days!

"Let Thine ear now be attentive and Thine eyes open to hear the prayer of Thy servant which I am praying before Thee now, day and night..." (Nehemiah 1:6).

Recent War Video

Our government is charged with the difficult responsibility to protect our nation in a war on terrorism. A long time family friend, US Army Captain Boots Dunlap, has forwarded a link to a recent video series that captures some of the action in Afghanistan. As he says, "It is probably one of the few specials that really caught the intensity of the battle in our old Area of Operations. Just a couple of days ago six US soldiers were killed here in an ambush. Keep praying for my replacements. Watch the four video reports from ABC about writer Sebastian Junger in Kunar & Korengal with the 503rd. Junger is the guy who wrote 'Perfect Storm'; he was there to do a story that will be in Vanity Fair. The videos are at the bottom. It is a four part series. They are short."

Here is the link:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/11/ambush-video-sh.html

Thanksgiving

Here is an expression of good government...

President Abraham Lincoln initiated the first annual National Day of Thanksgiving by giving the following proclamation that was passed by Congress in 1863:

"No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy... I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens... [it is] announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord... It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."

(America's God and Country - Encyclopedia Of Quotations by William J. Federer, p. 385)

Overwhelmed?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and complexity of all the factors that influence the world? Nations and governments, social and political powers and trends, pornography, organized crime, drugs, addictions, billion dollar industries, mass media... the list goes on. Then there are the details of our personal lives -- personalities, family relationships, health, accidents, careers, paying taxes and bills... it can be overwhelming simply to live. There is an appropriate prayer recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:12 spoken by King Jehoshaphat of Israel in about 850 B.C. for all of us to take to heart: "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." That is a prayer on behalf of a small nation by the highest governing authority. It expresses the deepest dependence upon God. That is the beginning point when you are overwhelmed. As international prayer leader Jackson Senyonga has rendered that verse: "What do you do when you don't know what to do? You turn your eyes toward God!"

Continually Increasing

There is an amazing verse in the Bible that should change the way we view world history. Isaiah 9:7 begins this way: "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace." Rare is the reminder of reviewers of history today that say, indeed, "His government is continually increasing." Obviously, we have a media conglomerate that loves to focus on political strife, corruption, failure, war and trouble -- it sells. There are certainly plagues of problems in our complicated and growing world. But, if we step back and look at the big picture, there is a very real historical perspective that demonstrates the explosion of free governments on the scene. Beginning with some of the social contracts in the English system, including the Magna Carta in the early 1200s, then with America's birth as a nation in 1776, now dozens of nations are following suit at an ever-increasing pace. Are there forces working against the activity and principles of Christianity, including the growth of free government - Yes, of course! And these forces are increasing, too. The light and darkness are both increasing, just as the Bible said it would. Will there continue to be great battles and wars along the way - Yes. But we can rest assured in what God has said through His prophet concerning the big picture of history: "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace... To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forever more. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."

Love vs. Hate

I have recently viewed a couple of extremely well-done video productions which give up-to-date insight into the radical Islamic world view and the associated propaganda commonly promulgated in the Middle East. The more I watched, the more apparent the distinction between our cultures. The training of children from the earliest age to hate and execute violence against a distant "enemy" they only know by propaganda mantras is prolific in many extremist Islamic regions. Ridiculous lies are used in the propaganda, such as in children's books and TV shows, that the Jews are born of animals, and that they use the sacrificial blood of Christian boys for sacred matzo bread. Religious and government leaders blame every woe their people suffer, no matter how self-inflicted, on the Jews, America, and Western culture. They take little or no responsibility for the issues their nations face. By contrast, Christianity teaches love and personal responsibility. Though our nation certainly has its deep problems, we still maintain key Christian principles. We often acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, take responsibility for them, and hopefully make restitution when we can. We have an open and free society. We value life (greatly marred by our current abortion laws). We do not capture our enemy and video their beheading. We do not target innocent civilians. We help those in trouble, even other nations. We are not out to conquer the world (though a primary propaganda message spread by the radical groups is that we are out to conquer the world so they can appear to be only playing self-defense with their terrorist aggression). The irony, of course, is that they frequently and unapologetically state that they are out to conquer the world for Allah. The hypocrisy and contrast could not be more blatant, yet it is hardly mentioned or recognized for what it is by our media and much of our public. Ultimately, the question is: Do we want a culture of hate and fear to dominate our world, or a culture of love, freedom, and respect to survive?

Anybody, Anytime

The Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball team have adopted the motto, "anybody, anytime" as their rallying call toward a 2007 World Series championship. It is amazingly descriptive of their "nameless, faceless" success in earning the best record in the National League regular season (by a game) this year, and first round post-season playoff victories to get to the NL Championship series. Nobody expected this degree of success. The national prognosticators place the "D-backs" as the clear underdogs. The media doesn't know how to hype a team without any (media-hyped) "superstars" and you can almost feel the awkwardness as they begin to report on the "anybody, anytime" theme. However, as foreign as this concept generally is for the media, I believe it is welcomed much more by many of us in the real world.

It also happens to be a very Christian theme. For example, 1 Corinthians 1:27,29,31 says, "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong... that no man should boast before God... Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." God has a way of using any of us at anytime, especially when we remember to give Him the credit. Again, in 1 Peter 5:6 it says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time." This principle applies to any of us in all walks of life-- even those in government.

I don't know how far the D-backs will actually go in this run for the World Series pennant, but I sure like their rallying call. Who knows, maybe God does too? While watching the first game of the NL Championship series against the Rockies on TV earlier tonight, at one point a camera angle caught the flash of a sign held up by a row of fans that said: "GO D-BACKS!" Because, the sign was made of individual letters and were all next to each other, it could also be read: "GOD-BACKS!"

Center of the Universe

This morning I heard a man credit Lou Engle and Mike Bickle with the following quote...

"THE PRAYER ROOM IS THE GOVERNMENTAL CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE."

What a potent statement. The 'weakness' of prayer connected to the profound power and influence of government. This honors God. Prayer is meaningless if it does not in reality link us with Almighty God. It is not some self-meditation practice. It is faith in God exercised at its most basic, immediate, and personal level. It demonstrates that when we actually rely on God in prayer we are tapping into the greatest, most powerful Being in the universe. We, who are otherwise weak and unable, become friends and partners with the Most High God. When two or three are gathered in His name, this radically increases in effect. The prayer room is transformed into the throne room of the King of kings -- "the governmental center of the universe!"

Now THAT is political salt.

A Christian Nation

William Wilberforce changed the world for the better. He didn't do it alone, but along with a small group of friends who persevered over decades in an antagonistic culture. They accomplished a massive cultural shift uprooting and eventually outlawing the entrenched institution of slavery, and bringing about many other societal moral changes -- all by the inspiration of their deep, personal Christian faith. Wilberforce did this while serving in English Parliament from the 1780s to 1825. He did it through consistent persuasion based on God's truth. He changed the way people thought. The following is a quote from his writings in 1797:

"The interactions of members of the society are also enhanced when each seeks to live at peace with one another and recognizes the value of all human beings as members of the same family. Any country that was filled with men and women who thought and acted this way would be characterized by a state of harmony seldom, if ever, seen in human history. The discord and petty jealousies that create conflict in most societies would cease to exist, and the culture would run as smoothly as the harmony of the planets in their orbits.

"This is what a truly Christian nation would look like. It also would experience a beneficial relationship with other countries with which it interacted. A nation peaceful and happy at home would be respected and loved abroad. The integrity of a truly Christian nation would inspire confidence in its interactions with other nations. Most international disputes find their roots in distrust and jealousy. These often lead to more obvious forms of injury. Such things would be minimized by the policies of a Christian nation. And if such a nation were unjustly attacked, the spirit that pervades the nation would provide a powerful dynamic to bring out the greatest resistance to such hostility. Add to all this the role of divine intervention might play on behalf of a nation that sought to serve and honor God in all it does."

- Real Christianity by William Wilberforce
Revised and Updated by Dr. Bob Beltz, p. 150-151

Filling the Void

This is a brief report that did not make the conventional media news...

(State Capitol, Phoenix, AZ) There are many empty places waiting to be filled. Some will remain empty. Others will be filled by either good or bad things, or some mixture of the two. At a recent gathering at the Arizona State Capitol I saw some usually empty rooms filled by good, heartfelt, fervent worship and prayers to God. From 11:00am - 1:00pm on Tuesday, August 28, we participated in what I believe is an historic event. Ninety-five pastors and ministry leaders from all over Arizona (including Flagstaff, Kingman, Safford, Sierra Vista, Tucson and from throughout the Valley) assembled together to acknowledge God and intercede for our state on the 3rd floor of our original State Capitol where our first Arizona government legislators convened more than 90 years ago. I do not believe that there has ever been a gathering in Arizona history of so many Christian leaders for resounding worship and prayer in the very chambers where our state was born. It is also notable that several pastors read and prayed excerpts of the original chaplain's recorded prayers of the Arizona Constitutional Convention of 1910. We connected with the historical foundations of our state, and I believe, made history in the process. God hears our prayers. God answers the prayers He Himself inspires. His Word will not return void. The void is being filled with the promise of God.

On the Eve of 9-11

On the eve of 9-11... I remember back six years ago at the shocking news and first images of the attacks on the World Trade Center. My family was packing that morning to leave the next day to travel from Phoenix to Dulles Airport near Washington, DC. Our long-awaited vacation plans to visit beloved relatives would be altered for two weeks. Our understanding - and the intensity - of world affairs was altered forever. Even with the incredible impact of the events of September 11, 2001, I did not immediately jump on the bandwagon of all those who said that everything had now changed. Obviously, I was slow to see what has become absolutely apparent. "9-11" is indelibly etched in virtually every citizen of the world's mind and vocabulary. There has been a seismic shift in the attention to the clashing of world views, with a new world war against terrorism formally launched. There is a continual pressure for political understanding of Islam and its many sects, as well as the need for clarity in our own response. The media and political groups continually work to define our condition as a nation, not by traditionally acceptable standards, but by their own created standards to serve their own purposes. There is an unprecedented lack of thankfulness expressed in the public square. There is far too much complaining and blaming, because it serves to fuel political discontent, agendas, and media headlines.

I am so very thankful for God's mercy and blessing upon us. I can't help but see God's provision and protection for our nation everywhere. I have no idea how long this will continue, but I am thankful for what we have. I also am very thankful for the signs I see in so many personal lives of God's grace. He is extending His mercy. I pray we all receive His love and acknowledge Him, for in God we must trust as we remember this solemn anniversary.

Our Responsibility

Following is a statement printed on the glass of the 4th floor entrance door to the gallery overlooking the historic "Constitution Hall" of the original Arizona state Capital building. No author is credited.

"People get the government they deserve. Good, moral people, concerned about others, get a good moral government that cares about the people. People that are greedy, lazy or apathetic, get a government that is greedy, immoral and unconcerned with the public's welfare. In a democracy, each of us is responsible for the quality of our government."

Letter from a Soldier

"Areas that were previously thought to be untamable and some of the most dangerous parts of the country are now actively experiencing peace, freedom, and stability for the first time in history." - Capt. Boots Dunlap

I asked permission to pass on this message from a long-time friend whose son has been stationed in the Middle East. I believe you will appreciate the insight into today's war.

Dear Friends,
Thank you to all of you that have supported my son, Capt. Boots Dunlap over his 474 day deployment to Afghanistan. His outfit, the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division endured a very difficult deployment in the Hindu Kush mountains of eastern Afghanistan. The 750 man battalion lost 20 fine soldiers along with 120 of our soldiers wounded. Boots has returned safely and is in the process of returning to civilian life in Arizona... Below is a thank you note to you from Boots.
Thank you again,
Charlie Dunlap and Family

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of 1-32 IN;
There is no way to thank you enough for the tremendous support you gave my family, my wife, my fellow Soldiers, and me over the last 17 months. I apologize that I am unable to thank you each individually. However, to properly thank so many of you for the overwhelming amount of letters, packages, gifts, and prayers would surely take us until next year.
My battalion has finally returned home after an extremely challenging but rewarding deployment in Northeastern Afghanistan. The Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry operated in one of the most rigorous combat environments that I have seen during my tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. For over 450 days they fought a determined and well trained enemy while simultaneously conducting numerous civil-military projects that helped to instill confidence within the Afghan people, as well as economic and civil prosperity in the provinces.
The long duration of the deployment allowed the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry to see the effects of their personal sacrifices that Soldiers on shorter tours are never able to see. Areas that were previously thought to be untamable and some of the most dangerous parts of the country are now actively experiencing peace, freedom, and stability for the first time in history. Mountainous terrain that was once considered to be an unsecureable safe-haven for Taliban and Al Qaeda are now areas that strongly support the new Afghan government and are experiencing peace and prosperity unlike ever before. All this was only accomplished as a result of the selflessness, courage, and love these Soldiers demonstrated to the Afghan Army, police, children, and people.
Thank you for recognizing their service and the grave sacrifices they made with your relentless prayers and generous support. Your confidence in us gave us hope, which in turned infected the Afghan people.
On a more personal note, I am humbled by all the support I received, especially from people that I don't even know. It is Americans like you that justify the costs of protecting our way of life. For those of you that helped take care of my lovely and amazing wife in my absence, I am indebted to you. May God bless you all as you have been a blessing to the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry and my family. God Bless You, God Bless America, and God Bless Afghanistan.
With deepest gratitude,
Boots Dunlap
CPT, IN
US Army

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
-- Hebrews 10:23

History Belongs to Who?

The late Derek Prince once said: "History belongs to the intercessor." Who? How can that be? What is an intercessor? What does that have to do with government?

I just attended a seminar with Bob Beckett, who made a powerful case for the eternal impact of informed intercession. He has been a part of a community in California that has experienced a radical transformation in recent years (briefly chronicled on one of the "Transformations" videos). Deuteronomy 5:33 says: "You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess." Hundreds of verses in the Bible make the clear connection of our actions and the welfare of our land. The necessity of the "healing of the land" is often stated. From the very beginning Adam, and all mankind, is instructed to rule the land. When man rules well, the land prospers. When government goes astray and the land suffers, God calls intercessors in prayer and action to arise. There is so much more to say on this matter, but I am absolutely convinced that the prayers of those who care, seek the Lord, and carry out His will on behalf of the land they are assigned to, EFFECT HISTORY. First, ask God if you are in the place He has assigned you. Second, ask Him for a revelation and understanding of your specific assignment for the "land which you will possess." Because, "history belongs to the intercessor."

A Frequent Recurrence

There is an extremely inconvenient phrase (for some) near the beginning of the Arizona Constitution: "A frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is essential to the security of individual rights and the perpetuity of free government." - Article II, Section 1. The constitutional convention members of our state in 1910 learned well from our national Founding Fathers. That is, there is a tendency for man to forget, especially to forget fundamental principles of good government. We get greedy. We get selfish. We get power hungry. So we need checks and balances and constant reminders about what is right and good. Otherwise, we begin to write our own new rules. The original contract protecting all people is eroded away. How many Arizona citizens have read the Arizona Constitution? Very few of us, I'm sure. Yet, it is one of the primary legal documents that we live under. How much more protected would we be from all the legal perversions of this document if there was a general public knowledge of what it says?

This applies all the more to the most fundamental principles of our lives. A frequent recurrence to God and His word - the Bible - is essential to our true security and freedom. We don't need to think up and write a new set of principles, the best have already been given. So, whether for the government of all people or for our own personal lives, let's take heed of Article II, Section 1 of the Arizona Constitution!

Summer Heat

Actually, I can't complain. Since I have returned from a Southern California vacation, the temperatures in Phoenix have hardly touched 100 degrees, and there have even been two or three cooling rains. Nonetheless, there is a summer heat that most of us experience that parallels the season in political events when there is a waiting and bearing that tests the mettle of men. This brings to mind the book of Daniel, chapter 3, and the famous account of Daniel's friends who faced "the furnace of blazing fire" because they would not serve other "gods or worship the golden image" under the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Because they entrusted their lives to Him, God brought Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego through the furnace (summer heat) experience despite the fact that the king gave orders "to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated." The heat of the furnace was so great that the king's men who escorted the men of God to the furnace were killed. However, not only were the men of God not harmed in any way after being thrown into the furnace, but a fourth man, with "the appearance like a son of the gods" (many say the Son of God!) appeared with them in the furnace and untied the three men.

Daniel 3:27-28 - "The fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was their hair of their heads singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God."

The Babylonian king was even moved to bless the very ones who violated his command.

That is how to weather the summer heat!

Pillars of Wisdom

First, I want to apologize for being so long between posts. I have recently finished writing the book, God in the Foundations of Arizona Government, and have seen it through the printing process. And I just returned from vacationing in California. Though I always have somewhat of a hard time returning to the sand of the desert after enjoying the sand of the beach, I do love my friends and work here in Arizona. A welcome assist in the transition was the steady splash of rain as we drove back into Phoenix. Having said that, here is today's post:

We all need wisdom. Whether in writing a book, on vacation, or in the heat of politics, wisdom makes all the difference. Proverbs 9 begins: "Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars." Many governmental buildings gain their appearance of strength by incorporating prominent pillars in their architecture. We commonly speak of "pillars of strength." I need to do some research on what the seven pillars might be that wisdom formed in Proverbs 9 -- I can't find their description conspicuously stated. What is clear appears in verse 10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Sounds like that is the foundation of the building upon which the seven pillars rest. That is a foundation I want in my life - while writing, vacationing, and doing whatever He says when I return to the desert. He is the author and source of all wisdom.

Dominant Eye

Probably a strange title for a thought about life... A friend was telling me the other day about how his one eye, which is nearly blind, can interfere with his vision. At times, weird colors and lights come in through this bad eye and distract him from the good vision in his other eye. Particularly while engaged in sports (and he is a surprisingly good athlete) he has learned that he must patch over the bad eye to ensure good, undistracted vision. In life, I wonder if all of us don't have two eyes - one which tends to see the bad and one which tends to see the good. Nearly all of us see a mixture of the vision that both of our eyes provide, but most of us have a dominant eye. For some of us, we tend to focus more on the setbacks, heartaches, and difficulties we see. For others of us, we see more of the good. My dominant eye tends to be for the good, but not always. There are times when my bad eye takes over and it clearly affects my approach to life. I believe this is true of us individually, and also has application for groups of people and political views. I know I want my dominant eye fixed on the hope of God through Jesus as I go through life. This is an eternal hope and perspective that brings clarity and vision in a world full of weird colors and lights. Which is your dominant eye?

TheCall 07-07-07 Report

I have just returned from Nashville, TN where a large group of us from Arizona and around the nation participated in TheCall event. Click this link - 070707 Nashville Call - for a report by CBN which is far more accurate than you will see from any mainstream media source (if you see anything from the mainstream media at all!). The day at the stadium (10am - 10pm) was extremely hot, 95 degrees with high humidity, yet 75,000+ endured it. What you don't see, even in this report, is that at any given time throughout the 12-hour event at least 10,000 of these participants were in the concourses and shaded areas around the open-air stadium listening to monitors of the event in order to get a break from the direct sun and heat. The participation numbers exceeded any of the Al Gore 'save the earth' events, although he had millions of dollars of free media advertising and "big-name" stars as attractors. More than anything, TheCall event honored God with humility, repentance, prayers, worship, praise, and intercessions for our nation. The silent prayer walk just prior to the stadium event from 7am - 9am, covering two and half miles from Nashville's Parthenon, down Church Street to the stadium, was also very impacting with about 25,000 participants filling the 100 foot wide street in a wave that was more than a mile long! I believe this is the beginning of a profound shift in American culture.

Fireworks of God

It is July 4th and somewhere the fireworks are blasting and shearing the night sky with fantastic lights and booming sounds. It is a time of great public celebration honoring our nation and the independence we enjoy. For some, it is little more than an excuse for a party. For others, it is a time of deep reflection, perhaps even personally remembering a loved one who gave their life for our country. Many fear where our nation is headed, feeling utterly helpless to effect any change in the course of history they perceive is dark and inevitable. Yet, many others are very thankful for what we have been given.

As I sit in the quiet of my darkened home office reflecting on the profound blessings of our country and the freedom for which it stands, I dare to believe that we can make a difference. I serve a God who loves to work through His people (any of us!). After all, He has created us in His image. History is replete with the great and amazing things He has done to change the course of events with just a few who hang on to His promises. Many of us in Arizona (200-300 or more!) are traveling to Nashville to participate in TheCall on July 7. This gathering represents a stadium-full of His people looking to Him to change the course of our nation. I believe it can happen. I believe it will happen.

We have freedoms few nations and people enjoy. Yes, we often abuse our freedoms. But, we also by God's grace can ask forgiveness and seek His restoration. There is hope. His voice is beginning to resonate. The rumbling of the fireworks of God is beginning.

The Call... 7-7-07

The Call is happening in Nashville, TN this coming week on July 7, 2007. Hundreds of Arizonans are joining this all-day national stadium event to covenant with God in America. Good government starts with a right relationship with God.

Seek His Kingdom

So many of our motivations and decisions in life are naturally focused on our own needs and desires. This focus is often reflected in our approach to what we expect, and even demand, from our government. Yet, Jesus says, "Do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on... but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:25, 33)... "for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (Matthew 6:32). According to God's word, when we re-prioritize our focus to the pursuit of His good government - His kingdom and righteousness - it brings with it His promise of care over our needs. This requires a super-natural focus -- a focus above and beyond our own natural inclinations. It means that we turn to God and pursue His will and ways. When we do, this means we are under His good government personally. When we do this as a community, we see His good government corporately.

Banners Over Arizona

This past Saturday, June 9, 2007, precisely at Noon, banners of the Lord were raised at the very highest point on the summit of Humphreys Peak- the highest place of Arizona at 12,633 feet elevation. Twenty-five hikers representing northern, central, and southern Arizona, ascended the 4.5 miles and 3,400 foot elevation gain to raise the banners over the state. The banners displayed "Lord of Hosts", "Our God Reigns", and simply, "Jesus".

"We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners." - Psalm 20:5

"You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth." - Psalm 60:4

There were also extended prayers of blessing, intercessions, and declarations for Arizona during more than three hours at the summit and in simultaneous concert with prayer teams on the sister mountain, Agassiz Peak, and at a Base Camp at Agassiz Lodge. In addition, a seven foot cross was planted at the very highest point of the Humphreys Peak summit as a center pole of dedication of our state to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ in much the same way as the "Jamestown" company dedicated America on the shores of Virginia on April 29, 1607, some 400 years ago.

"Get yourself up on a high mountain... bearer of good news; lift up your voice mightily... lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah [praise], "Here is your God!"" - Isaiah 40:9

"How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"" - Isaiah 52:7

Chief of the Mountains

It's important to be reminded of the promises displayed throughout God's word. They form an anchor of hope and a vision of what is to come. In our complicated world of governments this is essential. Government is about authority, and in the Bible, mountains often signify authority. Isaiah the prophet "saw" the following word in Isaiah 2:2-- "Now it will come about that in the last days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it." You can count on this being God's will and pray according to this declaration. The mountain of God's authority will be established on earth, just as it is in heaven. Psalm 2:2,4 expounds on this... "The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed... He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them... But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain."

A Different Spirit

Many will know the story of the scouts of Israel who were to spy out the Promised Land after the Exodus (Numbers 13). Ten scouts focused on the giants and the obstacles and their own smallness. Two - Joshua and Caleb - saw the Land of Promise in the confidence and authority of God. After the "bad report" was given by the 10, "then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it"" (Numbers 13:30). Yet, even so, the other scouts rose up and again emphasized the giants and fortifications in the land. Then again, Joshua and Caleb spoke, "The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us--a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them" (Numbers 14:7-9). Even with this clear proclamation, the people as a whole remained intimidated and wished to go back to Egypt! Shortly thereafter God said, indeed, they would not see the Promised Land, "but My servant Caleb [and Joshua], because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it."

Our land is for the taking when we fully follow God. Do we have this different spirit?

God's Foundations

When we see things that are currently not right, it puts us in the place of hoping for something in the future. Unless, of course, we despair to the point of losing all hope. However, if we truly know the God of the Bible - His eternal goodness, power and authority - though we may be tested, we will hang on to hope. When we see the juggernaut of government, it can be daunting, except for the abundance of promises and testimonies in God's word. As was said of Abraham in Hebrews 11:10: "He was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Likewise, we are looking for our place that has God-designed and God-built foundations.

In it to Win

We are at war. The objective of any war is to win. This applies to natural and spiritual war. This applies to the war against terrorism. This applies to the cultural war. World views are pitted against each other. The values that govern hang in the balance. We are at war on many fronts and levels, which impact each other. This is a long term war, which will include victories and defeats in pivotal battles that mark the progress of the war. Training, information and strategy, endurance, authority and power all matter. Prayer matters, because in prayer we seek the counsel - authority and power - of the One Who is Almighty... the One Who wins!

National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday of May is designated as the National Day of Prayer. This year, tomorrow, on Thursday, May 3, NDOP events will be held at thousands of locations throughout our nation. In Arizona, I personally lead the prayer walk from 7:00am to 8:00am at the State Capitol. It seems that each year there are new 'breakthroughs' for this event. The doors are continuing to open wider to prayer in our government. This year we will actually have worship and prayer on the floors of the state Senate and House. I don't know for sure, but it may be the first time for worship at these locations in our state history! Why is that important? In Psalm 22:3 it says that 'God is enthroned upon the praises of His people.' That is what we want... for God, once again, to be acknowledged upon His throne over our government. We are a nation under God. In God we trust. It is interesting to note that the very next verse, Psalm 22:4, expresses our national motto:

"In You our fathers trusted; they trusted, and You delivered them. To You they cried out, and were delivered; in You they trusted, and were not disappointed."

Church and State

Two anecdotal historical facts regarding the issue of 'Church and state': In 1619, the first legislative assembly of the New World was held in Jamestown... in the church building. In 1864, the first legislative assembly of Arizona, by resolution, invited the Rev. H. W. Read "to hold divine service in this building each Sabbath during the session of the Legislature." Thus, at significant original events in American and Arizona history, the state met in a church building, and the church met in a state building. This may sound silly to some, but I think it is more than trivia.

400 Years Ago

400 years ago on April 29, 1607, a company of little more than 100 men dedicated our nation to God after braving a difficult Atlantic crossing in three small ships--the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery commissioned by King James I. Most of the men sought wealth, fame, or a new start in life. One man, in particular, sought to help fulfill God's plan for the New World. Reverend Robert Hunt was the appointed chaplain for the Virginia Company. He was especially chosen for the voyage and proved to be an important peace-maker during critical times. He soon gained the respect of all the adventurers. Though the ships finally reached the Virginia coast on April 26 of that year, there had been so much in-fighting along the way that Rev. Hunt required them to fast and pray for three more days on-board before landing to properly consecrate the land to God.

Then, on April 29, they landed on the beach at Cape Henry with contrite hearts. In the sand, they first planted a 7-foot wooden cross they had brought from England. Then, they held the first prayer service in Virginia. The Rev. Hunt then spoke of the admonition issued by the British Royal Council in a charter for the trip: "Lastly and chiefly, the way to prosper and obtain good success is to make yourselves all of one main for the good of your country and your own, and to serve and fear God the giver of all goodness. "Every plantation, which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.""

Raising his hands to heaven, Rev. Hunt claimed the land for country and king and consecrated the continent to the glory of God. After reading from Acts 26:18 as part of the service, he was moved with emotion, and with tears in his eyes, he gave the amazing prophetic declaration: "...from these very shores the Gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but the entire world." The seed was hereby planted for a new nation to be born under God.

On Sunday, April 29, 2007, state capitols and other historic locations across the nation, including at Cape Henry, Virginia, will serve as sites for the 400-year anniversary celebrations of this solemn dedication of our land to God. In Arizona, a free assembly, open to the public and hosted by Arizona Call to Prayer, Worship! Arizona, Arizona National Day of Prayer, and the Legislative Chaplains, will take place at the Arizona State Capitol grounds from 4:00pm - 5:30pm.

Genesis of Government

The genesis of government, well... begins in Genesis. In Genesis 1:26-28, the God and Creator of all the universe created man in His "own image". God's nature as Ruler flowed immediately in His command that man should "rule" all the earth ('radah' in Hebrew = take dominion, to rule, to subjugate). God did not absently relinquish His Kingship to us, but we rule ultimately under His authority. And He cares. Good government occurs when we rule according to His ways -- justice, righteousness, impartiality, humility, loving-kindness -- all clearly spelled out in the Bible. Bad government occurs when we rule according to our own natural, selfish ways. The Bible is full of the accounts of good kings and bad kings, good governments and bad governments, and the associated impacts on the people and nations that benefit or suffer as a consequence of their actions. God is the Originator of government. How counter-productive it is when we try to take Him and His word out of our government. Oh, the depth of our foundations. It is time to fully return to them.

Authority vs. Power

There is an important distinction between authority and power. Though often used interchangeably, the distinction can make a profound practical difference. Authority is the right to exercise power, not power itself. Thus, something or someone may have power, but not have the right to exercise it. Knowing who has the (proper) authority is valuable information. Sometimes we may acquiesce on an issue simply because we are intimidated by a show of power (e.g. a Media-induced "public opinion" or political position which may be nothing more than a 'big lie'). However, this power may not have the true and proper authority to have its way. In government, it can be critically important to understand who has the rightful authority, so that even when a powerful entity postures itself for its own purposes, it can be stopped. If we have good governmental principles in place and exercise proper authority, even an onslaught of malevolent money and power can be thwarted.

Transition and Waiting

I noticed my last blog post title of a few weeks ago seems also to describe me: "Hiding, but not Hidden." Actually, the reverse would be more accurate: "Hidden, but not Hiding." I have been on a journey of nearly continual revelation discovering the hand of God in the foundations of Arizona government. I've been 'back to school,' buried in the libraries and archives, something I had no idea I would ever do again. But I have been grabbed by this theme and given an assignment. It has become clearer and clearer to me that Arizona has a destiny in God. As these wells are being re-dug there is a time of transition and waiting-- an awakening of vision. This applies to us individually as well as corporately. I know so many that are in transition and waiting. Waiting on the Lord is a very good thing. A birth of life is coming.

Hiding, But Not Hidden

It has been another long drought between posts as I continue to work on my book about the foundations of God in our Arizona government. I continue to be awed by the hand of God in the written record of our government documents. Though it is an "inconvenient truth" for many in our current political circles, the record is relatively easy to access. It is being forgotten, oftentimes intentionally-- hiding, but not hidden. It is my intention to continue to re-discover these foundations that we may build upon them for good government. For "if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" - Psalm 11:3.

Presidents Day!

Presidents Day was initially established to celebrate President George Washington's birthday, but was expanded to celebrate February-born President Lincoln's birthday, as well as to become a day to honor all our U.S. Presidents. I wonder how many of those who are so publicly critical of President Bush have honored him today?

To open a "National Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation" issued on October 3, 1789, President Washington wrote: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor... And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions..."

That is a foundation of good government - humility and dependence on God - that we can deeply honor and upon which we can build.

Happy Birthday Arizona!

Not only is it Valentine's Day tomorrow, but as most of us know, it is Arizona's statehood birthday. For at 10:00am (in Washington, D.C.) on February 14, 1912, President Taft signed into equal status Arizona as the 48th state of the Union. A little known fact is that date in 1912 was also the exact 50th anniversary of the first Arizona Territory. Not the United States Arizona Territory which was enacted with President Abraham Lincoln's signature on February 24, 1863 and abolished slavery here at the same time, but a Confederate Arizona Territory with rather different boundaries enacted by Confederate President Jefferson Davis on February 14, 1862.

Abraham Lincoln

Today we celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday. "Father Abraham" has particular significance in Arizona history, because it was President Lincoln who, after passage in Congress, signed the Arizona Organic Act which established the new Arizona Territory in 1863 in the midst of the Civil War. President Lincoln was then responsible to appoint the first Arizona territorial government officials. Following these appointments, the first Arizona territorial government, including the first territorial Governor John N. Goodwin, was sworn in at Navajo Springs in northeast Arizona on December 29, 1863.

In God We Trust

Our national motto is "IN GOD WE TRUST" which is displayed on all American currency. This is not an idle declaration, but one that intentionally and publicly honors God. An act of Congress in 1956 made the motto official. The appeal for the national motto began during the Civil War, with the first coins being so marked in 1864. However, it was not until as late as the 1960s before all currency included the motto, primarily due to the high cost of changing out the printing machines. This link also gives the mottoes for other nations.

Blog Block

Actually, my blog block is not officially writer's block, because I've been using all my writing energy recently for... well, writing. For those following this blog, I've been very light in my entries the last few weeks due to my work of researching, compiling, and writing about God in the foundations of Arizona government in preparation for putting together a little book. I'll still throw some posts up now and then, but wanted you to know what's happening.

High Praises

When dealing with ungodly governmental powers, God provides some interesting strategy. Psalm 149:6-9 says, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword (the word of God for prayer) in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the judgment written; this is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the Lord!" Worship and prayer according to God's word... most effective in the pursuit of good government.